How to Ready Yourself Up for a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is one of the most common and effective ways of skin rejuvenation and can help you with minor skin imperfections. Dr. Ian Walker can help you achieve a younger-looking complexion by managing wrinkles, fine lines, and scars. The treatment peels away the affected outer layer of your skin to reveal smoother, healthier skin. Preparing well for the treatment is critical and can help you enjoy the maximum benefits of the treatment with minimum complications. Therefore, it is crucial to take your preparation stage carefully, and the following tips can help you.

Avoid Skin Stress

Before you go for your chemical peel treatment, please ensure you refrain from anything that could stress your skin. If you are under any other chemical treatment, ensure you avoid it for about two weeks before your treatment. Also, please avoid microdermabrasion treatments as it works similar to a chemical peel and will only stress your skin if scheduled for a chemical peel. It is also good you avoid tanning booths as they can cause significant damage to your skin, especially if you are about to go for a chemical peel treatment. Additionally, be gentle to your skin and limit your sun exposure.

Take Antiviral Medications

During your chemical peel consultation appointment with your provider, ensure you ask about taking antiviral medications. Your provider will disclose if you need to take the medications, depending on your medical history. These medications will help prevent herpes or sore outbreaks, and you will need to take them about two days prior to your appointment.

Use a Bleaching Agent

Your provider might recommend you use a bleaching agent based on your skin complexion to prevent your skin from darkening during your chemical peel. Hydroquinone is mostly recommended, especially if your skin has a dark complexion, and can be used alongside retinoid cream such as tretinoin. Your provider might recommend you use the bleaching products for about a week before going for your chemical peel.

Evaluate Your Medications

If you are currently under any treatment, please consult your doctor to evaluate the interactions between the treatment and a chemical peel. You might need to abandon some medications before you go for your appointment. Photosynthetic drugs like antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain contraceptives may cause inflammation, especially with sun exposure, and should be avoided.

Do Not Smoke

Would you please communicate to your doctor if you are a smoker to understand when you will discontinue smoking before your chemical peel appointment? Additionally, consult your provider to help you follow through with your quitting process. Smoking is bad for your chemical peel procedure and detrimental to your overall health and well-being.

Know About Your Allergies

You might be required to undergo a deep-tissue chemical peel that will require sedation before your treatment. Consult your provider if you have had any sedative or pain medication allergies before. Your provider will understand the best mitigation measures to take.

Consider Prescribed Lotions

Your provider might recommend you use healing or moisturizing lotion before your treatment, depending on the depth of chemical peel you will undergo. Consult your provider about using glycolic acid lotion or a retinoid cream.

Book your chemical peel appointment with Dr. Walker at Robert Andrews Laser & Medical Aesthetics today and learn how to get ready for the treatment. Remember that being adequately prepared for the treatment will improve the effectiveness of your treatment, and you get to enjoy the maximum benefits of a chemical peel.